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HOUSE  OF   REPRESENTATIVES,    Doc.    7,    1S64.— Laid  on 
the  table  and  ordered  to  be  printed. 

[By  the  Chair.] 


MESSAGE  OF  THE  PRESIDENT. 

Richmond,  Va.,  Dec.  6,   1864. 
To  the   'House  of  Representatives  : 

In  response  to  your  resolution  of  the  23d  ultimo,  I  herewith  trans- 
mit a  communication  from  the  Secretary  of  War,  which  conveys  the 
information  requested  relative  to  the  arrangements  which  have  been 
made  ''{or  the  relief  of  our  soldiers  who  are  prisoners  of  war  in  the 
hands  of  the  enemy." 

JEFFERSON  DAVIS. 


COMMUNICATION  FROM  SECRETARY  OF  WAR. 

War  Department,  C.  S.  A.,  ) 
Richmond,  Dec.  3,  1SG4.      S 

To  ike  President  of  the  Confederate  Stat 

Sir  :  I  have  received  the  following  resolution  of  the  House  of 
Representatives,  referred  by  your  Excellency  to  this  department: 

•'Resolved,  That  the  Pre,;  Corrfederate  States,  if  not  in- 

compatible with  the  public  i  ,  cause  to  be  communicated  to  this 

House  the  nature  and  extent  of  aay  arrangement  which  may  have 
been  made  by  the  Quartermaster  General  or  any  other  agent  or  officer 
of  the  Government,  for  the  relief  of  our  soldiers  who  are  prisoners  of 
war  in  the  hands  of  the  enemy." 

In  response,  I  have  the  honor  to  transmit  herewith  a  report  from 
the  Agent  of  Exchange,  conveying  the  information  called  for  by  the 
House. 

Very  respectfully  your  obedient  servant, 

JAMES  A.  SEDDON, 

Secretary  of' War. 


L>>  **  t  **\ 


REPORT  OF  TUB  AGENT  OF  EXCHANGE. 

Richmond,  Va.,  Dec.  3,  18G4. 

Hon.  James  A.  Seddon, 

Secretary  of  War  : 

Sir:  In  the  matter  of  the  accompanying  resolution  of  the  House 
of  Representatives,  I  have  the  honor  to  make  the  following  report. 

The  accompanying  papers,  marker!  respectively  from  No.  1  to  No. 
9,  inclusive,  are  copies  of  the  correspondence  in  relation  to  the  sub- 
ject-matter of  the  resolution,  and  show  what  an  "arrangement"  has 
been  made. 

Orders  were  sent,  some  time  since,  to  Mobile  for  the  delivery  of  the 
cotton,  and  I  hope  it  will  soon  reach  its  destination,  if  it  nas  not 
already  done  so.  The  Northern  journals  state  that  General  Beale 
has  already  been  paroled  for  the  purpose  of  discharging  the  duties 
assigned  to  him. 

Respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

RO.  OULD, 
Agent  of  Exchange. 


[No.  l.J 

From  Mr.  Ovld  to  Major  Mulford. 

C.  S.  A.,  War  Department, 
Richmond,  Va.,  Oct.  6,  1864 


.! 


Major  John  E.  Mulford, 

Assistant  Agent  of  Exchange  : 

Sir:  As  it  appears  to  Be  more  than  probable  that  a  large  number 
of  prisoners  will  be  held  in  captivity  by  both  belligerents  during  the 
coming  winter,  the  cause  of  humanity  to  which,  though  foes,  wo  all 
ewe  a  common  allegiance,  demands  that  some  measure  should  be 
adopted  for  the  relief  of  such  as  are  held  by  either  party.  To  that 
end,  I  propose  that  each  Government  shall  have  the  privilege  of  for- 
warding for  the  use  and  comfort  of  such  of  its  prisoners  as  are  held 
by  the  other,  necessary  articles  of  food  and  clothing.  -  The  manner  of 
their  distribution,  with  all  proper  safeguards,  can  be  agreed  upon  in 
the  future.     A  fair  reciprocity  is  only  asked. 

The  articles  that  can  be  mutually  sent  can  also  be  made  the  subject 
of  agreement.  I  propose  that  each  may  send  necessary  clothing  and 
blankets,  and  rations  of  meat,  bread,  coffee,  sugar,  tobacco,  pickles 
and  vinegar.  I  would  suggest  that  the  receipt  of  the  stores  and  their 
distribution  amongst  the  prisoners  for  whom  they  are  intended,  might 


be  authenticated  by  the  certificate  of  the  senior  officer  at  the  respec- 
tive  camps  or  depots. 

In  order  to  carry  out  this  arrangement  with  effectiveness,  it  would 
bo  necessary  that  we  should  make  purchases  outside  the  limits  of  the 
Confederate  States,  and  then  ship  them  to  one  of  your  ports.  It 
would  be  impracticable  to  send  the  stores  by  one  of  your  flag  of  truce 
boats. 

Of  course- the  supplies  referred  to  in  this  communication  are  to  be 
considered  as  being  in  addition  to  such  rations  as  are  furnished  by 
the  Government  which  has  the  prisoners  in  custody.  Neither  belli- 
gerent is  to  be  discharged  from  the  obligation  of  feeding  and  clothing 
the  prisoners  in  its  charge. 

This  is  a  matter  of  such  grave  importance,   that  I  sincerely  trust 
an  early  and  favorable  response  will  be  made. 
Respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

RO.  OULD, 
Agt.nt  of  Exchange. 


[No.  2.J 

From  Mr.  Ould  to  Hon.  E.  M.  Stanton. 

Confederate  States  of  America,  \ 

War  Department,  \ 

Richmond,  Va.,  October  7,  1864.  ) 

Hon.  Edwin  M.  Stanton, 

Secretary  of  War  : 

iSni :   On   the  Gth    instant,  I    addressed   the  accompanying  letter  to 

;•  John  E.  Mulford,  Assistant  Agent  of  Exch  ]  think  it 

proper   to  notify  you  that  I    have  done    so,  in  order  that   you  may  be 

■  acquainted,  at  an  early  date,  with  the  views  of  th<  ..Tate 

authorities    in    relation   to  the  matters   to  which    that  communication 

refers. 

Respecfcfullv,  your  obedient  servant, 

RO.  OULD, 
Agent  of  Exchange. 


[No.  3.] 

From  General  U.  S.  Grant  to  General  R.  E.  Lee. 

Headquarters  Armies  of  the  United  States,  ) 

October  18,  1864.      $ 

General  R.  E.  Lee, 

Commanding  Army  of  Northern  Virginia  : 

General  :  Tho  accompanying  are   copies  of  letters  addressed  by 


Judge  R.  Ould.  Commissioner  for  the  Exchange  of  Prisoners  of  War, 
to  the  Hon.  E.  M.  Stanton,  Secretary  of  War,  and  to  Lieutenant 
Colonel  J  E.  ner  of  Exchange.      I  have 

been  anthoriz  u  to  make  such  arrangements 

as  can  be  agreed  upon  for  the  mutual  relief  of  prisoners  held  by  the 
two  parties.  In  the  propositions  submitted  by  Judge  Ould  I  see  no 
one  thing  to  object  to.  I  shall  be  perfectly  willing  to  receive,  at  any 
place  held  by  Federal  ti  ;ing  or  delicacies  sent  for  the 

use  of  prisoners  in  our  h  a  privilege'is  extended 

for  supplying  the  wants  of  those  hell  by  Confederate  authorities. 
No  objection  will  be  urged  to  <  ;     .for  like  distribution, 

at  any  of  our  northern  ports,  direct  from  Europe,  or  to  allowing 
chases  in  northern  cities  for  the  same   purpose.     I  would 

i    means  of   satisfying  each  party    that  all   goods  sent 
i   their   proper  destination,  that   a    commissioned  officer  of   each 
party,  to  ed  from  the  prisoners  of  war,  be  paroled,  to  remain 

within  the  lines  of  the  party  now  holding  them,  whose  duty  it  shall  be 
to  rer  idea  sent  for  distribution,  and  who 

Bee  t  .  cording  to  the  wishes  of  those  sending. 

Lookin  the  alleviati  e  sufferings  of   those  held 

i  will  not   interpose  any  obstacle  to  any  plan   that  may 
be  proj  s  equal  privileges  to  both  belliger. 

I  am,  Genera},  very  respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

U.  S.  GRANT, 
Lieutenant  Gt.nci a!. 


[No.  4.] 

From  General  R.  E.  Lee  to  General  U.  S.  Grant. 

Headquarter?  Army  of  Northern  Virginia,  ) 

October  19,  1864.      \ 

Lieutenant  General  U.  S.  Grant, 

Commanding  Armies  of  the  United  States  : 

General:  I  have  received  your  letter  of  the  18th  instant,  accom- 
panying copies  of  letters  from  Jud;  '  Commissioner  of  Exchange 
of  Prisoners,  en  the  part  of  tl  te  States,  and  the  Hon.  E. 
M.  Stanton,  Secretary  of  "War,  and  Lieutenant  Colonel  Mulford,  As- 
sistant Commissioner  of  F                          o  United  St: 

I  understand  your  letter  to  ::ce  of  the  general  propo- 

sition  submit'cd   by  Judge  Oi  lief  6f  the  prisoners  held 

by  both   parties,  and  snail  may 

be  made  for  carrying  it  into  effect.  The  necessary  details  will  be 
submitted  to  you,  through  Colonel  Mulford,  for  agreement. 

In  order  to  simplify  the  matter,  and  to  remove,  as  far  as  possible, 


causes  of  complaint,  I  suggest  that  the  articles  sent  by  either  party 
should  #be  confined  to  those  necessary  for  the  comfort  and  health  of 
the  prisoners,  and  that  the  officer  selected  from  among  them  to  re- 
ceive and  distribute  the  articles  should  be  given  only  such  a  parole, 
while  so  engaged,  as  to  afford  him  the  necessary  facilities  to  attend 
properly  to  the  matter. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  very  respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

R.  E.  LEE, 

General, 


[No.  5.] 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Lee.# 

Headquarters  Armies  of  the  United  States,  ) 

October  20,  1864.      5 

General  R.  E.  Lee,  C.  S.  A., 

Commanding  Army  of  Northern  Virginia  : 

General  :  Your  letter  of  yesterday,  accepting  the  terms  offered  for 
the  mutual  relief  of  prisoners  of  war  held  by  each  party,  is  received. 
Your  understanding  of  my  proposition  is  perfectly  correct.  I  have 
no  objection  to  limiting  the  articles  to  be  sent  to  simple  necessaries, 
or  to  extending  as  much  as  you  will  agree  to.  It  is  my  desire  that 
all  prisoners  of  war  should  be  made  as  comfortable  as  it  is  possible  for 
persons  under  restraint  to  be,  and  I  will  favor  any  proposition  looking 
to  that  end. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  very  respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

U.  S.  GRANT, 
Lieutenant  General. 


[No.   6.] 

From  Mr.  Ould  to  General  Grant. 

Richmond,  Va.,  October  30th,  1864. 

Lieutenant  General  U.  S.  Grant,  U.  S.  A.  : 

Sm  :  I  beg  leave  respectfully  to  inquire  whether  the  United  States 
authorities  will  consent  to  a  shipment  of  cotton  from  one  of  our  ports 
to  one  of  the  Northern  cities,  with  the  view  of  purchasing  there, 
with  the  proceeds  of  sale,  blankets,  etc.,  for  the  immediate  relief  of 
our  prisoners  confined  in    Northern   prisons.     Of  course  we  would 


give  you  due  notice  of  tho  name  of  the  vessel  carrying  the  cargo,  as 
well  as  the  time  of  her  sailing,  together   with   such   o'.her  particulars 
u  might  request. 

Respectfully,  your  obedient  servant. 

RO.  OULD, 
Agent  of  Exchange . 


[No.   7.] 

From  Gr.Nr.R.u,  Grant  to  Mr.  Gulp. 

Headquarters  Armies  of  the  United  States,  ) 
November  6th,  lsG4.  \ 

Judge  Robert  Ould, 

Ageht  of  Exchange : 
Sir  :  Your  communication,  of  the  30th  October,  inquiring  whether 
the  United  States  authorities  will  consent  to  a  shipment  of  cotton 
from  a  Southern  port  to  a  Northern  city,  with  the  view  of  purchasing 
blankets,  etc.,  for  the  immediate  relief  of  prisoners,  etc.,  is  just  this 
moment  received.  I  hasten  to  reply  to  send  back  by  the  same  mes- 
senger who  brought  yx 

1  would  propose  that  the  United  States  authorities  send  a  vessel  to 
receive  the  coton  at  any  place  you  may  designate,  between  the  lines 
of  the  two  parties,  and  ship  it  to  such  Northern  city  as  you  may  des- 
ignate. 

A  Confederate  prisoner  of  war  will  bo   allowed   to   accompany  the 
1  going  fitter  the  cotton,  and  to  stay  with  it  until  it  is  &--\d.      lie 
will  also  be  allowed  to  make  the  purchases  with  the  proceeds  and  dis- 
tribute them.      A  comoji;?.iotied  United    Stales  oiiieer  will  accompany 
you  during  the  whole  of  this  transaction. 
a  much  I  wer  wit!;  rrihg  to  I  rity.     If 

it  is  :  .  Southern  vessel  is  to  run  from  a  Southern  to  a 

Northern  port  direct,  I  will  have  to  refer  the  matter  to  the 
Department,  for  the  views  of  tho  President. 

Respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 
(Signed)  U.  S.  GRANT, 

Lieutenant  General. 


[No.   8.] 
From  Mr.  Ould  to  General  Grant. 

Richmond,  Va.,  November  11th,  1864. 
Lieutenant  General  U.  S.  Grant,  U.  S.  A.  : 

Sir  :   Your  communication  of  the  Gth  instant,  in  reply  to  mine  of 
the  3()th  ultimo,  h%s  been  received. 


The  Confederate  Government  will  deliver  on  board  one  of  your 
vessels,  near  Mobile,  one  thousand  bales  of  cotton,  to  be  forwarded  to 
the  city  of  New  York,  and  there  sold,  the  proceeds  to  be  applied  to 
the  benefit  of  our  prisoners,  in  accordance  with  the  recent  agreement. 
The  cotton  will  bo  ready  to  be  delivered  within  a  week.  Whenever 
the  Federal  vessel  is  ready  to  receive  it,  notification  can  he  given  to 
Major  General  Maury,  commanding  at  Mobile. 

1  venture  to  suggest  some  details,  all  of  which,  I  believe,  are  in 
accordance  with  the  tenor  of  your  letter  of  the  Oth  instant. 

1.  MajorjGeneral  Trimble,  now  at  Fort  Warren,  has  been  selected 
a3  the  Confederate  officer  to  whom  the  consignment  shall  be  made,  at 
New  York,  who  will  there  make  the  necessary  and  proper  arrange- 
ments for  the  sale  of  tho  cotton  and  the  purchase  of  the 
needed  by  our  prisoners.  In  the  event  of  tho  disability  of  Major 
General  Trimble,  Brigadier  General  William  W.  R.  Bealo  is  d 
nated  as  his  alternate.  The  selected  officer  shall  be  put  on  such  a 
parole  as  will  enable  him  to  discharge  the  duties  assigned  to  him  with 
facility  and  effectiveness. 

2.  Such  officer  shall  be  allowed  to  make  his  purchases  at  those 
points  where  they  can  be  made  with  the  greatest  advantage. 

3.  As  tho  Confederate  Government  proposes  to  forward,  without 
charge,  such  supplies  as  you  may  send  for  the  relief  of  your  prison- 
ers, we  take  it  for  granted  that  the  cost  of  transportation  from  the 
place  of  purchase  will  be  borne  by  the  United  States  Government. 
The  officer  selected  by  us  will  make  all  necessary  arrangements  for 
such  transportation. 

4.  The  reception  of  the  supplies,  and  their  subsequent  distribution 
amongst  the  prisoners  on  both  sides,  shall  be  certified  by  a  committee 
of  officers  confined  in  the  prisons  so  supplied.  Such  a  parole  will  be 
given  to  such  officers  as  will  enable  them  to  carry  out  this  agreement 
with  due  facility.  They  will  report,  through  the  proger  agents,  their 
proceedings  to  their  respective  governments. 

5.  Receipts  will  be  given  when  the  cotton  is  delivered  on  board 
your  vessel,  and  a  bill  of  lading  forwarded  to  Major  General  Trimble, 
or  his  alternate. 

6.  I  will  thank  your  authorities  to  furnish  to  General  Trimble,  or 
hi3  alternate,  as  near  as  may  be,  the  number  of  prisoners  confined  in 
your  respective  prisons,  in  order  that  he  may  duly  apportion  the  sup- 
plies. Similar  information  as  to  our  prisons  will  be  furnished  when- 
ever it  is  asked. 

1  trust  that  these  details  will  be  agreeable  to  you.  If  they  are 
found  to  be  inconvenient  or  defective,  they  can  be  amended  by  the 
csnsent  of  both  parties. 

I  will  thank  you  for  a  reply  to  this  communication  at  your  earliest 
convenience. 

Respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

RO.  OULD, 
Agent  of  Exchange. 


[No.  9.1 
From  General  Grant  to  Mr.  Ocld. 

Headquarters  Armies  ok  the  Uniteb  State 

November    12/A,    1864.  $ 

Judge  Robert  Ould, 

Agent  of  Exchange  : 

Sir:  Your  communication  of  yesterday  is  received.  All  thai  yon 
ask  will  be  complied  with.  I  will  send  instructions  immediately  to 
the  Federal  commander  iu  Mobile  bay,  to  notify  General  Maury  of 
his  readiness  to  receive  and  ship  to  New  York  city  one  thousand  bales 
of  cotton,  to  be  consigned  to  one  oi  the  parties  you  name,  who  shall 
have  every  facility  asked  by  you. 

My  instructions  in  this  matter  will  have  to  go  by  way  of  Washing- 
ton and  New  York  citie3,  and  rnuy  be  ten  dajs  in  reaching  their  des- 
tination. 

All  shipments  of  clothing,  provisions,  etc.,  for  distribution  among 
prisoners  af  war,  will  be  sent  from  the  place  of  purchase  to  the  point 
of  delivery  free  of  charge,  as  you 'suggest. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 
(Signed)  U.  S.  GRANT, 

Lieutenant  General. 


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